De Montfort University (DMU) athlete Angelika Mae Mercado embodies the spirit of Varsity competition, but her story extends far beyond the badminton court. As she prepares for her final Varsity appearance in 2026, Mercado reflects on how the sport has not only honed her athletic skills but likewise fostered a sense of belonging and personal growth, particularly as a mature student.
Mercado’s journey with badminton began in childhood, nurtured by her father through casual family games. After a period away from the sport, she rediscovered her passion seven years ago, reigniting a love that would eventually lead her to become a key member of the DMU badminton team. The initial hurdle of missing team trials in her first year at the university only fueled her determination, prompting a dedicated commitment to improvement and ultimately securing her place on the squad.
“I first discovered badminton as a child – my dad taught me, and we played socially as a family every Saturday,” Mercado explained. “It’s where my love for the sport began. I had a break, but I started playing again about seven years ago after being invited to join a friend in a game. I’ve been playing regularly since then.” She added, “When I joined DMU, I missed the team trials in my first year, but that motivated me even more. I was determined to create the team in my second year, so I committed myself to improving my game for the next trials.”
For Mercado, the value of sport at DMU extends beyond competition. It’s about the community, the friendships, and the structured support that has allowed her to flourish. The quality coaching available at the university has been instrumental in her development, providing guidance and fostering confidence in a sport she deeply enjoys. This sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is a recurring theme in her experience.
“Sport at DMU has given me the opportunity to compete, but also a real sense of belonging,” Mercado said. “Through being part of the team, I have built friendships that I know will last a lifetime. There is something special about training, competing, and working towards shared goals that really strengthens those bonds. I also really value the quality coaching at DMU. Having structured training sessions and proper guidance has helped me develop my skills and grow in confidence within a sport I truly love. Being part of the team motivates me to push myself and improve, both for myself and as a teammate.”
This year’s Varsity competition holds particular significance for Mercado as her final opportunity to represent DMU. While past Varsity experiences were marked by nerves and a sense of being outmatched, she now approaches the event with a renewed sense of determination and a desire to contribute to her club’s success. Regardless of the outcome, her focus remains on giving her all on the court.
“I still remember playing my first ever Varsity fixture for the mixed doubles team,” she recalled. “I was incredibly nervous but also excited, playing against much more experienced players. At the time, I felt slightly out of my depth, but I embraced the challenge – and I was proud we managed to win one of our matches, which really boosted my confidence. This time feels very different – it will be my final Varsity. Instead of nerves, I feel a strong sense of determination and motivation to help my club win. But regardless of the result, my goal is to give everything I have on court and make sure I depart it all out there.”
The impact of joining the DMU badminton team has been transformative for Mercado, particularly as a mature student navigating the challenges of university life. Finding a community where she felt welcomed, valued, and supported was crucial to her overall university experience. Badminton became more than just a sport; it became a support network, a source of friendship, and a place to build lasting connections.
“Playing sport has completely transformed my university experience. Without it, I honestly do not think I would have enjoyed university as much as I have,” Mercado stated. “As a mature student, it can feel challenging to connect with people on my course. But through badminton, I found a genuine sense of belonging. Being part of the club gave me a community where I felt welcomed, valued, and supported. It’s more than just training and competing – it’s having people who celebrate your wins, support you through losses, and are there for you during both the highs and lows of life. Badminton has been my support network at DMU, and the place where I have built friendships I know will last well beyond university.”
The benefits of participating in university sports extend beyond the social and emotional realms. Mercado highlights the positive impact on her physical and mental wellbeing. The discipline of training and competition provides a healthy outlet for stress management, while the occasional injuries have taught her valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of self-care. The leadership and communication skills she’s developed through her involvement in the club will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.
“Sport at DMU has had a really positive impact on my life beyond uni,” she explained. “Physically, of course, it’s helped me stay fit and healthy. I’ve picked up the occasional injury, which is part of the sport, but even experiences like that have taught me positive things like resilience, and the importance of balance and listening to my body. Mentally, badminton has been a huge outlet for managing stress. Training and competing allow me to switch off from day-to-day pressures and focus on something I genuinely enjoy. It has definitely supported my mental wellbeing. It has also helped me grow as a person, taking me out of my comfort zone and improving my leadership and communication skills. Things like match pressure and taking on responsibilities within the club have helped build my confidence, resilience and discipline – these are all things which will benefit me both in my career and personally.”
As Angelika Mae Mercado prepares for her final Varsity appearance, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of university sports. It’s a testament to the importance of community, the value of perseverance, and the lasting impact that a positive sporting experience can have on an individual’s life. Varsity 2026 promises to be a fitting culmination of her journey at DMU, a chance to leave it all on the court and celebrate the friendships and memories she’s made along the way.
The next confirmed action for DMU badminton is the conclusion of the Varsity 2026 competition. Follow DMU Athletics for updates and results.
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